Short Inca trail 2days

30/08/202520/01/2025 por perutreks

Short Inca trail 2days and 1night

Short Inca trail 2days and 1 night is the short version of the classic 4 days Inca trail which is a perfect exclucive option for people who don’t have time but want to experience hiking to Machu Picchu by the original Inka trail, this trekking route is call the sacred Inca trail which is 12 kilometers of original trail in this tour you have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu 2 times, on the firts day afternoon and on the second morning and you have the chance to see the sunset and the sunrise of course on the second day of the tour you will enjoy machu picchu the entire day, the famous inca trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic treks that you can do in your lifetime.

Itinerary of the Short Inca trail

CUSCO | OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – MACHU PICCHU.

Walking Distance – 12km / 7.45 miles
Starting Elevation – 2,100 meters ASL / 6889 feet ASL
Aguas Calientes Elevation – 2,000 meters ASL / 6561 feet ASL
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel or hostal (optional)
Adventure: Absolutely, completely satisfactory

We will start the your trip by picking you up from your hotel and then we will drive for 3 hrs from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station. From here, we will take the train to Km 104 where we will start our amazing trek on the Inca Trail!. Our adventure begins with an uphill hike for about 4 hours until we arrive to the archeological site of Wiña Wayna (Always Young). We will enjoy our box lunch here in the middle of the mountains and will have free time to rest and enjoy the beautiful view.

Next, we will continue our hike, moving toward a site called Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). From this place, we will be able to look down and admire the great beauty of the Inca citadel Machu Picchu! Here, the Inca Trail officially ends.
We will finish our first day’s adventure following the lateral trail in direction to the exit of Machu Picchu where we will take a bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, We will have dinner there and then rest comfortably hostel.

AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Today you will get to enjoy exploring Machu Picchu and experience her magical presence by taking the first bus at 5:30AM to the Machu Picchu archeological site. If you hurry you will get to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Take your time, making sure you tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It is an unforgettable experience.

Your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. Then on your own, wander around the town squares of the world’s spiritual center of esoteric wisdom as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Or stay still and drink in the pure majesty of her presence, and enjoy the pure delight of the moment.
Here are a few of alternative activities that you might wish to indulge in on your own:

Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu (not included in your tour price and must be booked in advance.)
You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku (free of charge)
Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs (entrance fees required)

You will descend to Aguas Calientes and later on, board the train around 18:20 for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Station and be driven back to your hotel.

Difficulty: Easy.

You can check our reviews on TripAdvisor

Classic Inca Trail 4d/3n

Imperial Inca Trail 5d/4n

Private Inca trail

					Inca trail trek  - Our whole experience was flawless with Peru treks. It was very nice to have them work with us before we went and answer every question we had. Our guide was... read more very knowledgeable and friendly with tons of little details and information. On the trek, the food was amazing. Our chef made fried chicken, soups, rice dishes and plenty of veggies. 

For the two of us in our group we where very well taken care of.				
Graham G
29/05/2025 

					Unforgettable experience  - We had an incredible time doing the Lares Trek with Herbert and his team: Javier, Elario & Ronaldinho.  

I was nervous initially - I’d never done a... read more multi-day hike before, but Peru Trek made us feel at home straight away. Herbert was very friendly and knowledgeable, and encouraged us to take it at our own pace. They were very quick and organised, setting up camp before we’d even arrive. 

The Lares Trek is fairly off the beaten path, and I recommend it for the incredible sights - it is more lowkey than the Inca trail, and felt like having the whole mountain to ourselves! Being 4,700m in the air, you get a panoramic view of the mountains and glaciers. After the trek, you can go to a hot spring to relax. Along the way, you learn a lot about the local culture and Inca history.

The chef, Javier, made some of the best food I’d eaten in Peru. There was so much variety: soups, meat dishes, pancakes, salads, and he even baked a surprise cake at the end. 

If you are worried about altitude sickness, rest assured they are very helpful. The day before our trek started, I was suffering with fever and almost didn’t go on it. But Darwin and Herbert assured me that we can always go back down if I’m feeling too ill, and they also brought someone to assist me in case I needed help. Thankfully my condition got better but it was good for peace of mind. 

If we came to Peru again, we would definitely go with Peru Treks and try some of their other trails. I highly recommend going with this group for your travels.				
J K
11/05/2025 

					Classic Inca trail with my 21y old daughter. Our guide Juan Carlo was very knowledgeable about history, culture, plants.  - Excellent service before and after the trek from Darwin. Highly recommend Peru treks for the classic Inca trail, and day trips to sacred valley and rainbow mountain				
Afshin K
26/05/2025

Inca Trail – Peru Treks

30/08/202519/01/2025 por perutreks

INCA TRAIL – PERU TREKS

INCA TRAIL – PERU TREKS, IS VERY IMPORTANT TO BOOK EARLY FOR 2026: Trek permits for the Inca Trail are limited to just 500 people and this includes all support staff such as guides, porters and cooks (approx 200 trekkers and 300 support staff).

The Inca Trail trek permits for departures in 2026 are likely to go on sale at the beginning of November 2025, many dates will sell out almost immediately particularly for departures in, May, June, July & August 2026 Please try to book before the end of November 2025 to avoid disappointment.

Now if you want to book your inca trail tickets in advance is better if you do 4 months in advance in order to avoid any disappointment.

Inca Trail- Peru Treks to Machupicchu

For your hike to Machupicchu along this beautiful and sacred trail is better to stay in Cusco city at least 2 days in order to acclimate your body to the altitude and you won’t have any problem along the inca trail.

In your hike to Machupicchu is going to be included:

Pre-departure briefing: at your hotel
Transport
Experienced Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide.
A personal porter to carry your 3 kg of your personal belongings
Personal tents
Camping equipment
Mattress or sleeping pads: to put under your sleeping bag
Accommodation: 3 nights in tent
Trekking Cook
Meals
Wake up tea
Tea time
Medical kit
Train tickets

NOT INCLUDED:

Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own.
Walking Sticks:You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
Last Day: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes
Personal clothing and gear
Travel insurance
Tips for our staff:please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as your wish.
Additional costs delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)

You can check our reviews on Tripadvisor or youtube

Click here to Book your Inca trail!

Do You Know Why the Inca Trail is Very Famous? History and Reasons to Hike

20/01/202519/01/2025 por perutreks

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular hiking trail in the world, attracting adventurers and history lovers from all over. This ancient trail, once used by the Incas or quechuas people, leads to the breathtaking Machu Picchu citadel. The journey is not just a hike; it’s a chance to step into history, surrounded by the incredible beauty of the Andes Mountains, lush forests, and mysterious inca sites along the route.

What makes this beautiful hike so iconic is the perfect mix of history, natural, mistical and adventure. Hikers get to walk through paths that are centuries old, explore hidden archaeological sites, and witness stunning views that change with every step. The experience of reaching Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate,is the most iconic. and long time ago our ancestors did this hike reaching to Machupicchu via Sun Gate, this hike is unforgettable and deeply rewarding.

Inca Trail History

This Inca trail played an important role in Incan culture, as it connected pilgrims and officials to Machu Picchu, considered a sacred place. Walking the same paths today gives hikers a glimpse into the engineering brilliance and spirituality of the Inca civilization. Along the inca trail, you can find ancient inca sites, stone steps, and pathways that showcase the ingenuity of Incan construction.

The Inca Trail is more than a hiking route; it’s a cultural treasure. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which helps protect it for future generations. Preserving the trail ensures that people can continue to learn about and appreciate the legacy of the Incas. By hiking the Inca Trail, you are not just trekking through nature—you are walking through history.

Exploring Hidden Incan Sites

The Inca Trail is not just a hike; it’s a journey through history. Along the route, you’ll come across fascinating archeological sites like Patallaqta, Phuyupatamarca and Intipata. These ruins give us a glimpse into the incredible life and architecture of the ancient Incan civilization.

Phuyupatamarca, meaning “Town above the cloud”, is a beautifully preserved site perched on a top of the mountain. It features terraces for farming, stone houses, and ceremonial areas. Historians believe it was a place where travelers stopped to rest before reaching Machu Picchu. Exploring Phuyupatamarka feels like stepping back in time.

Intipata, another highlight, is famous for its impressive agricultural terraces. These terraces were used by the Incas to grow crops in the high-altitude environment. The design shows the Incas’ expertise in engineering and their deep connection with nature.

Walking the Inca Trail allows you to experience these hidden treasures up close. Each step takes you along the same paths that the Incas once used. This unique opportunity to walk in their footsteps is what makes the Inca Trail so special. With us, expert guides will bring these sites to life, sharing stories and insights that deepen your understanding of Incan history.

Why Choose Peru Treks for the Inca trail?

Choosing us for your Inca Trail hike ensures an unforgettable experience. One of the key reasons is their team of expert guides. These guides are not only experienced hikers but also storytellers who share fascinating details about the history and significance of the trail. They bring the ancient Incan culture to life, making every step of your journey more enjoyable.

We also provide a very good services that prioritize your comfort. They offer high-quality camping equipment, delicious meals prepared fresh on the trail, and eco-friendly practices to protect tyhe mother nature. Their commitment to sustainability means you can enjoy your adventure while knowing you’re leaving no harmful impact on the trail.

Another great reason to choose us is their focus on creating personalized experiences. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-timer, they cater to all fitness levels. Their team ensures you feel supported and safe throughout the trek.

With Peru Treks, you don’t just hike the Inca Trail; you enjoy a journey filled with culture, comfort, and care. Book your trek with us and experience the adventure of a lifetime!

Vilcabamba treks to Machupicchu 2026

30/08/202519/01/2025 por perutreks

Vilcabamba Treks to Machupicchu

Vilcabamba Treks to Machupicchu takes you right off the beaten path to the area of Cusco where the Incas made their last stand. Following the Spanish conquest the Inca withdrew far in to the jungle from where they continued to resist the occupation.

Vilcabamba was the last Inca city and this trek takes you to some of the last domains of this once great empire. With beautiful scenery, Inca sites and a wide variety of flora and fauna the Vilcabamba Trek is a great option if you don’t find a spot for the classic inca trail to Machupicchu.

The Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu is a hidden treasure that has yet to be heavily impacted by tourism. The trail is remote, very beautiful and super quiet. Trekkers get to pass through snow-capped mountains on a number of original and well-preserved Inca trails.

The trek is typically completed on a 6-days itinerary, starting the first day with a coffee where you will see a lot of plantations of coffee, banana, orange, mango, etc.

Finally the hiking over the mountains for 4 days looking some beautiful glaciers, lakes and inca sites

Vilcabamba Treks to Machupicchu - Itinerary 6 days

CUSCO-SANTA MARIA (Coffee Tour)- HUANCACALLE

For your Coffee tour in the Jungle the pick up time from your hotel is going to be around 5:00am, after 4 hours approximately enjoying beautiful places along our driving we will arrive to Huayopata.

Arrival at the local farm, where a member of the family will give you the grand tour. They will explain to you the work that is performed on the farm, and show you the range of products that are harvested to support their family. Here, you will also be able to taste the available fruit in season! This locally-owned and run farm is a small one that pertains to a cooperative organization in accordance with fair trade practices, therefore, it has been granted organic certification. During this initial tour of the larger farm and coffee plantation, you will come to truly appreciate all of the hard work and stages that go into preparing a hot coffee!

Lunch on the farm! (Locally prepared family-style dishes). If you would like to try a local specialty meal, guinea pig, for example, we can coordinate with the family ahead of time and pay them directly upon arrival. Additionally, please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian or have other dietary restrictions.

Interactive demonstration on roasting and grinding the coffee beans, where you will have the opportunity to taste fresh coffee with different ingredients, as well as prepare your own cup of hot coffee.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation:Camping (double occupancy tents )
Maximum Altitude:3,800m/12,426 ft
Minimum Altitude:3,350 m/10,954 ft
Approximate Driving Time:6-7 hours

HUANCACALLE-HASUTINA PASS-RACACHACA

Around Huancacalle town there are two archaeological sites Vitcos Rosaspata (3080m) and Nusta Hispana (3050m) that we will visit along our way and your guide is going to explaint to you everything about those places this is going to take 2 hours approx.. After that we will hike up to Pacchac following a forgotten inca trail towards the Azutina Pass (3900msnm) we will hike up for 4 hours aprox from Ñusta Hispana to our lunch place (Pacchac). After our lunch we will continue hiking to the Asutina Pass for 1 hour after that our trail is going down to our second campsite Racachaca (3570 msnm) for 4 hours approx.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation:Camping (double occupancy tents )
Maximum Altitude:3,800m/12,426 ft
Minimum Altitude:3,350 m/10,954 ft
Distance Travelled:15 km approx
Approximate Walking Time: 8-9 hours

RACACHACA – LAGUNA LAZUNA – RACACHACA

After our breakfast we will start our hike to the Lazuna lake for 4 hours approx. where we will enjoy a beautiful landscape with the snow-capped mountain, after enjoying the views of the lake we will have another 2 hours extra of hiking until we reach the snow-capped mountain of Lazuna where we will enjoy the splendor of the snow-capped mountain and where we will have a small snack (box lunch) enjoying the view of that beautiful place, after touring and enjoying the place we will go down the same trail to Raccachaca where is going to be our campsite.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation:Camping (double occupancy tents )
Maximum Altitude:3,800m/12,426 ft
Minimum Altitude:3,350 m/10,954 ft
Distance Travelled:12 km approx
Approximate Walking Time: 8-9 hours

RACACHACA-PUMACCASA-ABRA MOJON-MUTUYPATA

The group starts to ascend at 7:00 am from Racachaca to Pumaccasa pass, where we can see Yanacocha Lagoon. After 20 minutes of walking we’ll arrive at Pumaccasa pass. The snow-covered peak of Pumacillo and
Soyroccocha lagoon offer great and wonderful vistas here. We’ll descend to Soyrococha lagoon to enjoy lunch and continue on to Mojon Pass, the highest pass in our trek. We’ll see the snowy peaks of Verónica and Salkantay and also the Huayna Picchu. The group will descend for almost 4 hours until Mutuypata, where we’ll find the third campsite.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation:Camping (double occupancy tents )
Maximum Altitude:3,800m/12,426 ft
Minimum Altitude:3,350 m/10,954 ft
Distance Travelled:16 km approx
Approximate Walking Time:6-7 hours

MUTUYPATA-YANATILE-SANTA TERESA-AGUAS CALIENTES

We leave from Mutuypata at 7:00 am, descending to the end of the route where our van is going to wait for us then we will drive to Yanatile town for 40 minutes approx.. Along the way, we can enjoy the hot waters on the edge of the Sacsara River, and we can also see the flora and fauna that surround the spectacular Yanatile Valley. We will still driving from Yanatile to Santa Teresa town(it’s around 40 minutes by bus). We will stop there for few minutes to buy water or some snack after that we will drive from Santa teresa to Hidroeléctrica for 30 minutes approx. Where we have lunch. Afterwards, we’ll continue hikking to Aguas Calientes for 3 hours, where we’ll spend the night in a nice hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel
Maximum Altitude:3,800m/12,426 ft
Minimum Altitude:1,800 m/5,954 ft
Distance Walking:2 km approx then driving
Approximate Walking Time:4-5 hours

MACHUPICCHU-CUSCO

Early in the morning the group will take the first bus to Machu Picchu, arriving there after 25 minutes. The group will have a guided tour for approximately 2 hours and then free time to enjoy the citadel. Around 1:00 pm we’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll have time for lunch. After that, you will take the train back to Cusco, where our representative will be waiting for you at the train station. Transfer to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:Not Included,
Maximum Altitude:2,700 m / 8,856 ft
Minimum Altitude:2,400 m / 7,872 ft

How Difficult Is The Vilcabamba Treks to Machupicchu?

We are a huge fan of the Vilcabamba treks. Even so, We should point out that it is one of the more challenging hikes to Machu Picchu. There are several tough ascents and descents that require a good level of fitness.

The route is approximately 50-60km / 30- 38 miles long. The trekking days are long and tiresome and there are some serious mountain passes to conquer. To successfully complete the Vilcabamba trek, you need to be in extremely good physical shape.

What is The Highest Point On The Vilcabamba Treks?

Tullutaccana is the highest pass on the Vilcabamba Trek. It sits at 4,500m / 14,760ft) above sea level.

Yanacocha is the second-highest pass on this trail. It is not much lower than Tullu Taccana at 4,450m / 14, 501 ft above sea level.

Can You Do Vilcabamba Trek Without A Guide?

As previously mentioned, Vilcabamba is a challenging trek. You should only consider this hike if you are fit and have some experience on multi-day treks.

Previous trekking experience is twice as important if you are wanting to hike Vilcabamba unguided.

If you are considering hiking Vilcabamba unguided, you need to know the following:

No permit is required to hike the Vilcabamba trek.
You can reach Chaullay or Huancacalle (the starting point) by public transport. Private transfers are also available but a lot more expensive.
There are no designated campsites. There are some towns along the way where you can find accommodation.
You will be able to buy food in some towns along the way. However, you should pack some snacks and lightweight meals to play it safe.

					Great 5th year anniversary experience - My wife and I booked this trip for our 5th anniversary. We had a fantastic experience with Peru Treks, our porters, and our guide Juan Carlos. The trail had amazing... read more views and Juan Carlos was the best! He was careful to describe what to expect each day and to explain all the Inca sites and culture we experienced along the trail. We were lucky to be the only two in our group, so we had a very personalized experience and we were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable we were and how good the food was at each campsite. And of course, topping it off with Machu Picchu at the end was a wonderful reward for a tough, but immensely enjoyable hike. I would recommend anyone book their experience with Peru Treks!				
Adam L
05/06/2025 

					Classic Inca trail with my 21y old daughter. Our guide Juan Carlo was very knowledgeable about history, culture, plants.  - Excellent service before and after the trek from Darwin. Highly recommend Peru treks for the classic Inca trail, and day trips to sacred valley and rainbow mountain				
Afshin K
26/05/2025 

					Amazing Lares-Inca trek experience  - We did the Lares and Inca trail experience with Ronald and Juan Carlos as guides. Darwin was who organized everything! Both three were amazing, very professional and friendly and knowledgeable... read more of the great INCA civilization! Also a big thanks to Juan and his 3 horses, our carriers and to Lucio, the best chef ever! Delicious food and fantastic views! Thank you guys! We come back in the future for more adventures with you!				
Caetano Luiz B
08/05/2025 

Salkantay Treks to Machu Picchu: A Journey Through Changing Landscapes

02/01/2025 por perutreks

The Salkantay Trek is one of the most scenic and adventurous routes to reach the iconic Machu Picchu. A perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and thrilling experiences, this trek has earned its place as a favorite alternative to the Inca Trail. At Peru Treks, we offer a meticulously crafted 4-day, 3-night journey that takes you through diverse landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to lush cloud forests.

Day 1: Into the Mountains

Your journey begins with an early departure from Cusco, heading towards Mollepata and then to Soraypampa, where the trek officially starts. The first day is a feast for the eyes, as you hike through the foothills of the towering Salkantay Mountain. One of the highlights is reaching the stunning Humantay Lake, nestled at the base of glacial peaks. This day sets the tone for the trek, offering breathtaking views and a sense of the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Conquering Salkantay Pass

The second day is both challenging and rewarding as you ascend to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass, at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet). Surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains, this segment is a true test of endurance and spirit. The panoramic views of the Salkantay Glacier make every step worthwhile. From the pass, the trail descends into warmer climates, transitioning from barren highlands to verdant forests.

Day 3: Into the Cloud Forest

Day three takes you deeper into the tropical cloud forest, where the air is thick with the scent of orchids and the sounds of exotic birds. The landscape is a striking contrast to the rugged terrain of the previous days. You’ll encounter coffee plantations and local villages, providing a glimpse into the region’s agricultural lifestyle. This day is more relaxed, allowing you to soak in the lush surroundings and recharge for the final push to Machu Picchu.

Day 4: The Grand Finale

The final day is a culmination of all your efforts, as you make your way to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. An early start ensures you arrive in time to witness the first rays of sunlight illuminating the stone structures. Your guide will lead you on an informative tour, unraveling the mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore on your own, soaking in the magnificence of the Lost City of the Incas.

Why Choose Peru Treks for Your Salkantay Adventure?

At Peru Treks, we prioritize your safety, comfort, and overall experience. Our expert guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the region, ensuring you gain deep insights into the cultural and natural wonders along the way. From well-planned itineraries to delicious meals and quality camping gear, every detail is taken care of, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the journey.

Conclusion

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is more than just a hike; it’s a transformative journey through some of Peru’s most stunning landscapes. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a first-time trekker, this experience promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Book your trek with Peru Treks today and embark on an unforgettable adventure to Machu Picchu.